#21 Topic: What information about Arctic clouds and precipitation can be gained from radars? – Basic principles and examples
Lecturer: Stefan Kneifel
Date: Monday, October 10, 2022 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.

Radars are fantastic tools to observe the distribution and amount of droplets, ice, and snow particles inside clouds. An increasing number of radars are operated on board of satellites, airplanes but also from the ground. In the Arctic, especially a combination of radar, lidar, and microwave radiometer can provide long-term datasets which can be used to characterize the vertical distribution and temporal evolution of clouds and precipitation.

In this lecture, a short introduction will be given into the three main principles used in radar remote sensing of Arctic clouds: multi-frequency, Doppler spectra, and radar polarimetry. Interpretation of several real case examples will help to link typical radar features to ice microphysical processes. The examples will also help to illustrate advantages and disadvantages of the different methods.